Prenatal Doula Program
“Overall, people who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans.”
Program Overview
Through our Prenatal Doula Program, our volunteers provide encouragement and support to the birthing individuals, help them stay comfortable with non-medical comfort measures, and help them have an empowering birth experience. GALS volunteers do not take the place of medical providers and they do not make decisions for the client, but instead provide a strong, stable relationship foundation in which families are able to make the best decisions for themselves.
All volunteers for the Prenatal Doula Program are trained doulas. Some have been doing this work for many years, others are just starting out. All of them have access to resources and support through GALS.
This program started as a partnership with Any Baby Can, a local non-profit that serves pregnant women and families through ongoing and long-term case management and educational services. GALS formed this unique partnership in order to support clients who have little to no support during their labor and birth. Soon after this partnership formed, we began receiving requests from other service providers and families who were looking for similar support. This is when we knew we needed to expand our reach to the broader community.
We Provide
Two prenatal visits to get to know each other, discuss birth preferences and answer questions.
Continuous labor support with your GALS volunteer and back up support from a GALS doula
At least one postpartum visit
Educational information to prepare for labor and birth and to enhance breastfeeding and parenting
GALS Prenatal Doula Program has adjusted to meet the needs of our families during COVID-19. Prenatal and postpartum visits will be virtual if at all possible. We ask that families let us know if they or a family member is feeling ill. We will work together with the family to decide if in person or virtual support is best for the birth.
Additionally, All families considering GALS services are invited to participate in weekly zoom groups led by GALS doulas to answer questions and provide birth education in the time of COVID-19.
FAQs
What is the criteria to use GALS services? We serve those with the most need first, but can provide services for those under 200% FPL. If you are able to make a donation for the services we provide, we greatly appreciate it, as that will allow us to continue to provide volunteers a small stipend to cover basic needs while at your birth, and keep GALS up and running!
How does the matching process work? We match based on what you have written in your request, your due date and birth location. If you don’t feel like it is a good match, please reach out to dominique@givingaustinlaborsupport.org.
What if I am unable to be matched with a volunteer? If we are unable to find a match, you still can have labor support! We have volunteers on-call for birth support throughout the month. Call us when you are in labor and we will send a volunteer your way!
What if my volunteer is unable to go to my birth? Many times we match two GALS Doulas with you- your main contact and a back up doula. If there is a back up needed for your birth, it will be a GALS volunteer that is trained in labor support.